Tragic ICE Shooting Doesn't Surprise Many HSI Agents

I am deeply saddened by the tragic events that happened in the SAC/Los Angeles Division of Homeland Security Investigations on Thursday evening.  I wish I could say that Im surprised. 

I did not know the agents involved but I have heard good things about Zeke Garcia, the group supervisor, who suddenly snapped, firing six shots at his HSI boss.  There are numerous reports that Deputy Special Agent Kevin Kozak, was relentlessly on Garcias case for reasons known only to Kozak. 

Of course, thats not an excuse for what happened.  I deplore the violence that took place yesterday. More lives could easily have benn lost in the office shooting.  I pray for a complete and speedy recovery for DSAC Kozak.  I also pray that he will look deep within himself and change as a result of this horrific event. 

In 30 years of working in law enforcement, I never dreamed something like this would happen.

Then I worked for John Chakwin Jr. in Dallas. Those close to me know that I feared a similar shooting incident would take place in the Dallas ICE/HSI Office of the Special Agent in Charge.

Chakwin was universally despised by the entire office due to his unfair bullying of employees and his serial mismanagement.   Chakwin had numerous complaints filed against him and was removed from his position as SAC/Atlanta by a former Assistant Commissioner. He was demoted and transferred to RAC/Jacksonville, where he was also hated by the entire office.

But new ICE management decided Chakwin would be a good fit in Dallas.  After a brief trial period his reappointment to the position of Special Agent in Charge was made permanent.  Chakwin was not as confident as his superiors in his long term tenure.  He didnt sell his house in Jacksonville.

The filing of complaints, including EEO discrimination and other unfair management practices began almost immediately.  I retired on my birthday in July 2008, a year earlier than I had planned.  I couldnt take working for Chakwin anymore.  Hes the reason I left.  After 32 years of chasing bad guys, the stress of being confined to an office working for John Chakwin was more than I could take.  Looking back, leaving then was the best decision I ever made in my life.  I honestly believe that John Chakwin Jr has no redeeming qualities.

But others in the office were not so lucky.  They werent eligible to retire.  The SAC/Dallas Office experienced two suicides on Chakwin’s watch. I agree with Fed Up who posted a comment on Debbie Schlussel yesterday , “Treat a man like an animal and pretty soon he will act like one.” 

ICE avoided another tragedy by removing Chakwin from active management in April 2011. He went kicking and screaming and remained on the ICE payroll until December 31, when he retired with his high three as an SES SAC. Now Chakwins just another obnoxious, retired, New York native living in Florida.  Texas is a better place because of it, believe me.

Based on conversations over the last 24 hours, it appears that ICE Group Supervisor Zeke Garcia was universally liked by his nonmanagment colleagues at ICE.  I have heard from numerous sources that DSAC Kozak  bullied the agents under his command. I heard him compared to Chakwin many times.

Zeke Garcia, recently divorced, appears to have been pushed to the brink at work.  He lost it and crossed the line, committing an unthinkable act of violent aggression, shooting Kozak as many as six times.  Zekes life ended seconds later, when he was shot and killed by an Assistant Special Agent in Charge.

HSI management by machete is not working.  Moral is at an all time low. Lives are being lost.  The only good that may come from this tragic event, is a complete management review and HSI reform by DHS. The Department of Homeland Security cant continue to ignore the management problems at HSI.

Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt observe iniquities; Lord, who shall endure
For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness:

My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him plentiful redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all her iniquities.
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.